Leonard Alan Swanson

Rolling Hills, CA: Dr. Leonard Alan Swanson, 82, beloved husband of Gordana Swanson for 54 years, passed away peacefully on July 18, 2014 at his home surrounded by family. Born in Hastings, Nebraska in 1932, he was the son of the late Betty May & Dr. Leonard Swanson and brother of the late Betty Long. He was the father of Donald Swanson of Rancho Palos Verdes, CA and Dina Swanson Zelleke of Cambridge MA.

After spending his youth in Hastings, Len moved with his family to California in 1947. He graduated from Harvard School for Boys, University of California Los Angeles, and University of Nebraska School of Medicine. His medical career began in 1957 and spanned more than four decades.

He served as a family physician, an emergency room doctor and specialized in Internal Medicine. He devoted most of his career to the field of Nuclear Medicine. He was among the first board certified Nuclear Medicine physicians in Los Angeles and served as the Chief of Nuclear Medicine at Good Samaritan Hospital for 28 years. He was President of the Western Regional Society of Nuclear Medicine.

Len married Gordana Pajalic in 1960. He was a devoted family man who had a kind spirit, great sense of humor and was a friend to many. Len was an equestrian, an animal lover, a sports enthusiast and avid hockey fan. He enjoyed traveling with family, horseback riding adventures in the Sierras, and supported many worthy causes.

In addition to his wife & children he is survived by his daughter-in-law Elizabeth Brown Swanson, son in law Andy Zelleke, four grandchildren, Hunter, Benjamin and Alexander Swanson, Zoe Zelleke and many wonderful friends. The family will hold a service and life celebration at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Los Angeles Challenge, 501 Deep Valley Drive, Suite 202, Rolling Hills Estates, CA 90274.


Funeral Home:
Green Hills Mortuary and Memorial Chapel
27501 S.Western Ave.
Rancho Palos Verdes, CA
US 90275